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Object manipulation: An interactional strategy with autistic children

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Abstract

The present research compared the effect of three play procedures upon the frequency and duration of object manipulation by six autistic children. The three interaction play procedures varied in the degree of similarity between the adult's and the child's performances. In procedure 1, the experimenter imitated the subject's movements with her duplicate object. In procedure 2, the experimenter performed a different movement with her duplicate object. In procedure 3, the experimenter performed a different action on a different object. The interaction procedure, in which the experimenter imitated both the material and the method of play chosen by the autistic child, resulted in greater frequency and duration of object manipulation.

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Reference note

  1. Durfee, J. T., & Lee, L. C.Infant-infant interaction in a daycare setting. Paper presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association, Montreal, August 1973.

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This article is based upon a doctoral dissertation completed under the direction of James K. Lang. Appreciation and affection are expressed to Dr. S. Tiegerman and to Dr. J. Stark for their support during this study.

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Tiegerman, E., Primavera, L. Object manipulation: An interactional strategy with autistic children. J Autism Dev Disord 11, 427–438 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531617

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